Hi all,

Thanks for your prayers and kind thoughts. Things are moving very slowly here. I've been sick with an infection an asthma the last few weeks but I'm gradually recovering. I didn't get the job but I feel at peace about it as I don't feel it is the right time for our son as he is not coping well with the amount of change he already has to deal with. He did say he was glad I would still be around for him. I have been looking for a position for several years now and my health issues and the lack of flexibility around hrs /duties/gaps seem to be a major issue for employers. I'm beginning to think, sadly it's time to accept the inevitable, especially as both my health and my son's is so up and down. When I have less on my plate, I plan to consider volunteer work. In regard to houses, there has been nothing within our price range coming up in the zone although there are a couple of people thinking about selling. I have several real estate agents I meet with each week but so far no luck. We are we are ready to sell ours as it is a townhouse we have outgrown, although we will miss it as it is delightfully located near the river where you can hear the birds fly over and is close to parklands and walking tracks. Our son has been up and down but overall he is improving. He is stressed about not finding a house in the zone yet as all his friends are talking about going there. His latest thing is to refuse to go to counselling when he was just starting to make progress. School holidays start this afternoon. Your ongoing prayers for a breakthrough are much appreciated, Booklover

Thanks for the update. Sorry to learn of your health issues but it appears you are feeling better and that's a good sign. Obviously you are much needed at home especially since your son confirmed he is glad you will be around for him.

Pray all will soon work out.


Gerry

Enjoy the school holidays. I'm not sure where you are situated but the weather here is just gorgeous. The down time will do your son a lot of good as well. I'm hoping that something comes up in the school zone too.

You take care there.

Thanks Lara, we are in Melbourne. End of school holidays was enjoyable with lot's of my son's friends visiting. Now school has started back we have had some warm weather and he went to a friends for a swim after school, unusual for October in Melbourne. Yesterday, we went to see a house in the school zone but it was so expensive and in very poor condition not currently livable. There is a more affordable house just out of the school zone which is in really good condition auctioning Saturday. It would involve a complicated option of renting in zone and then renting it out. We're trying to see if we can make this happen but I think sadly we'll run out of time for this particular house. There's no point buying it if he hasn't been able to get a place in the school first. Houses and rentals in the zone have been so few this year and the prices have been pushed up by negative gearing and international buyers as it is a popular investment area. I'm hoping somehow it will all work itself out and we'll find a way.

Appreciate your prayers, thoughts, concerns Booklover

A brief update, as a last resort we have rented a place in the school zone and are making one last application. We missed out on buying the house in walking distance because we were in limbo as we still didn't have a place in the school.He is very sad that he doesn't have a place with his friends who have helped him move on from the bullying and was crying under the table one day. This is our last option along with an appeal. So if we miss out at least we'll know we gave it our best shot for our son. The whole process has been very tiring and stressful. I keep hoping everything will fall into place and get easier. I find it hard managing extra things with a chronic illness but I'm sure you all do.. I keep hoping we'll only have to shift once not twice.

Booklover

Thanks for the update.

Is this for transport purposes?

Is it the Education Department in Victoria who says you have to live in the zone or you have to live in the zone to get a school bus?

I'm pretty sure people up here in Qld can go to schools out of their zone if they have good reasons. Things may have changed over the years though. It sounds way too complicated for you unfortunately. It shouldn't be that way.

I'm wondering if you've spoken to the Principal at the school you want and if they can do something to help you. I would have thought a school would go out of their way to fit your son in under the circumstances. Afterall it's their job to give your son a safe and practical environment where he can be educated.

The school year is ending in a month or so, so hopefully this can all be sorted out properly before the end of January.

take care of yourself.

Thanks Lara for your care, most of the schools in our area including this one are designated neighbourhood zoned schools, by the dept. Transport is poor across suburbs but it's the zoning itself which dictates school catchments as the first criterion for acceptance is living in the zone. The fourth criterion is compassionate grounds and we sent a written application to the principal outlining the circumstances but we were knocked back as he said the school is full. He said we could appeal the decision to the dept which we have done. I think we should have a decision in the next few weeks or sooner.

It was certainly all much easier when we were young. I think the infrastructure and planning hasn't kept up with population growth so basically there aren't enough places locally for everybody who wants them.

Booklover